SpiritualitySelf-Help Books

The words for breath and spirit or soul are the same in Hebrew (ruach); Greek (pneuma); Latin (anima) and Sanskrit (prana). Notions of the spirit and spirituality are thus infused into human life from the beginning. Human beings have sought to locate the divine on remote mountaintops, in sacred rivers, in the cosmos ? and within.

The self help books which follow are excellent introductions to the variety of human spirituality. They include examples from various indigenous traditions; Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions; and modern philosophical and psychological approaches to spirituality.

A proper spirituality nourishes us in a deep place, provides a sense of meaning and purpose, and brings us home to ourselves as better persons. And what is a proper spirituality? You decide.

The latest in an annual series that includes a mixture of essays and poetry: writers include Rick Bass on the moral necessity of wilderness, Natalie Goldberg on the Zen of writing, and other well-known writers such as Oliver Sacks and Mark Doty. Joseph Epstein?s essay begins: ?Of the seven deadly sins, only envy is no fun at all.? This wide-ranging collection of contemporary spiritual reflection is a thought-provoking and poignant read. 2004, Houghton Mifflin

Editor Zaleski's selections range from poetry and short fiction to memoir and essay, hailing from a variety of authorial and cultural sources. Zaleski recognizes that spirituality can be defined almost infinitely, encompassing a vast range of belief and even nonbelief. Poems from the Atlantic or the New Yorker command attention in addition to longer treatises on The God of the Gaps and Buddhist enlightenment. John Updike sits next to Orthodox Judaism while the Dalai Lama spends the night in suburban New York. A Kazakh healer chats with Seamus Heaney, and secularization theory is next in line. 2010, Penguin

The internationally renowned former Catholic monk offers a philosophy for living that involves accepting one?s humanity rather than struggling to transcend it. By nurturing the soul in everyday life Moore shows how to cultivate dignity, peace and depth of character. 1994, Perennial

Written close to the end of Merton?s life , this book is not so much a ?how to? guide as it is a kind of contemplation of contemplation. Merton stresses that in meditation it is important to cultivate an attitude or an outlook: faith, openness, attention, reverence, expectation, supplication, trust and joy. Thich Nhat Hanh?s foreword relates his own meditation work to that of Merton?s. 1971, Image

Neale Walsch isn?t starting a new religion; he?s just a frustrated man who sat down one day with pen in hand and some tough questions in his heart. As he wrote his questions to God, he realized that God was answering them. The result turns out to be matter of fact, in your face wisdom on how to get by in life while remaining true to yourself and your spirituality. This Conversations with God trilogy brings together books 1, 2, and 3 of Walsch's bestselling works. 2005, Putnam

Fox challenges developed countries to become awe-inspired by the beauty of the universe and its gifts and to develop a reverence for our planet. He describes awe as a mystical response to creation and the first step toward transformation. Creation Spirituality challenges readers of every religious and political persuasion to unite in a new vision through which we learn to honor the earth and the people who inhabit it. 1991, HarperSanFrancisco

This self help book exposes the dangerous and destructive method by which spirituality is typically approached: as something to be developed, learned through discipline or otherwise achieved. Trungpa outlines a more open, direct and yet more challenging way to experience Mind beyond the self through correct meditation: true liberation inevitably involves letting go of the self rather than working to improve it. 2002, Shambhala

These exquisite renderings of the thirteenth century Persian mystic?s words into American free verse capture all the ?inner searching, the delicacy and simple groundedness? that characterize Rumi?s poetry while remaining faithful to the images, tone and spiritual message of the originals. 1997, Harper One

In his research the author found that people were happiest when most absorbed in their actions, a state he termed ?flow.? This self help book addresses how people can make choices in the here and now to increase their sense of joy and happiness. 1998, Basic Books

James Hollis states in this compelling self help book that the feeling that you've been living the wrong life, that you're lost and confused, is "an insurgency of the soul," which "overthrows the conscious conduct of our lives." This mental suffering presents an opportunity to embark on a journey transcending expectations foisted on us by others, such as parents, and to find true self knowledge. This book is a helpful guide to this journey. 2006, Gotham

For decades western psychology has promised fulfillment through building and strengthening the ego. We are taught that the ideal is a strong individuated self constructed and reinforced over a lifetime. But Buddhist psychiatrist Epstein shows us that happiness doesn?t come from any kind of acquisitiveness, be it material or psychological; happiness comes from letting go. Epstein shows how ?the happiness that we seek depends on our ability to balance the ego?s need to do with our inherent capacity to be.? 1999, Broadway

The four ?simple questions? Muller reflects upon are: Who am I?; What do I love?; How shall I live, knowing I will die?; and What is my gift to the family of the earth? With compassion and sensitivity he explores the nuances of these deep existential and spiritual concerns, offering exercises and practices to deepen the reader?s exploration. 1996, Bantam Dell

Using the metaphor of the hero?s journey, Richo says there are three primary challenges to attaining adulthood: fear, anger and guilt. The challenge of adult intimate relationship is that of maintaining personal boundaries while establishing appropriate intimacy with the Other. He outlines primary techniques of integration, including flexibility, befriending the Shadow, openness to the Self, and unconditional love. 1991, Paulist Press

According to this book, prayer ? . . . changes people at a cellular level, and with each one who changes, others are brought miraculously closer to enlightenment.? Marianne Williamson meditates on the nature of prayer in its collective power and offers actual prayers that address our hopes and struggles. We are reminded that the purpose of prayer is not to gain an object of desire, relief from problems or even discernable results: the purpose is to experience God. 1994, Random House

Thurman invites readers to recognize that our lives and even our moment-to-moment choices have eternal ramifications. He challenges students to understand that this is the path to freeing ourselves and the rest of the world from suffering. 2005, Riverhead Trade

This audio series is filled with encouragement ? to think and dream larger, to grow into the belief that dreams can be actualized. Not a ?motivational? series, but a playful and philosophical approach to life which affirms that abundance, health and harmony are your birthright. Dooley addresses beliefs which nurture success and happiness, your emotions and how to understand them, and includes many tools and techniques for the art of living your dreams.2009, Simon & Schuster Audio

In this remarkable self help book, Dr. Muller suggests that our woundedness contains powerful resources for healing and spiritual growth. Written with compassion and insight, the book offers exercises and meditations to aid the healing process. 1993, Fireside

In an open letter to a troubled friend, Nouwen ponders significant questions: What is our place in the world in God?s eyes? How can we blend service and spiritual worship with the harshness of the everyday world? How can we, each imperfect and broken in our own way, feel beloved by the Almighty? This self help classic explains the spiritual life in terms the lay person can understand. 2002, Crossroad

Living Deeply focuses on common elements of transformation across a variety of religious, spiritual, scientific, academic, and cultural traditions, while affirming and supporting the diversity of each approach. Opportunities to actively engage in your own transformation and that of our world are woven into the fabric of your everyday life. Learning more about the terrain of consciousness transformation can not only give you a map, but can help you become the cartographer of your own transformative journey. Weaving together cutting-edge science with wisdom from teachers of the world's transformative traditions this self help book explores how people experience deep shifts in their consciousness, and how those shifts can lead to healing and wholeness. 2008, Noetic Book / New Harbinger Publications

This self help book is one of the most influential works of psychiatric literature since Freud. The first part is a deeply moving personal essay about Frankl?s imprisonment in Auschwitz for five years and his struggle to find reasons to live. The second part of the book describes the therapeutic method that Frankl pioneered as a result of his experiences. He believed that man?s deepest desire is to search for meaning and purpose. A classic self help book which is fascinating and powerful. 2006, Beacon Press

In this twentieth-century classic on the contemplative life, Merton wonderfully combines a disciplined and deeply learned intellect with the lyrical passion of the poet. It invites the reader to ?cast our awful solemnity to the winds and join in the general dance.? 2007, New Directions

An unusual self help book, made up of brief passages written by ?The Universe? (God) to remind readers that they have indeed been given dominion over all things. Unconventional, humorous, deeply insightful. 2007, Atria Books / Beyond Words

Since 1974, Kornfield has been teaching Westerners how to integrate Eastern teaching into their daily lives. Through generous story-telling and unmitigated warmth, Kornfield presents this excellent guidebook on living with attentiveness, meditation and compassion. 1993, Bantam

"On my forty-ninth birthday, I decided that all of life was hopeless, and I would eat myself to death." So begins Anne Lamott's newest book in which she reflects on the state of the country and the state of her nerves and recounts with wonder and great good humor the surprising presence of God's love in her life. 2005, Riverhead

Tolle?s message is simple: living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment. He shares ideas about personal integration with uncommon eloquence and a deep understanding of the human condition. A spiritual self help guidebook that has the potential to inspire the reader to live more fully in the present. 1999, New World Library

This manual makes an excellent self help companion guide to Tolle?s The Power of Now and is rich in exercises and meditations to help readers get out of their minds so they can live more peacefully in their bodies. 2001, New World Library

With seven million copies in print, this classic primer on personal growth suggests that life is difficult and that personal growth is a complex, arduous and life-long task. This self help book guides readers gently through the hard and often painful process of change toward a higher level of self-understanding. 2003, Touchstone

We have lost the necessary rhythm of life: the balance between work and rest. Consequently, we may feel exhausted and deprived in the midst of great abundance. Muller talks in the book about how the tradition of Sabbath created an oasis of sacred time within a life of unceasing labor and shows us how in these harried times to create a special time of rest, delight and renewal. 2000, Bantam

The author describes a worldview focused on the blending of spiritual and material realities and believes that we are co-creators of the life we experience. This self help book weaves together several themes ? experiencing a sense of meaning in life, being aware of the sacred nature of all beings, understanding that everything that exists is part of the full expression of life, learning to be aware in the present moment, and embracing suffering as an inescapable part of the unpredictability and challenge of everyday life. 1997, Norton

Hasidic master Menachem Mendel taught, "there is nothing more whole than a broken heart." This fascinating book uses Biblical, Hasidic, Talmudic and Kabbalistic traditions to teach that healing begins with brokenness and leads to transformation, whole-heartedness, and renewal. 2005, Shambhala

This self help book is an excellent primer on classical Hinduism, beautifully conveying the loveliness of the vocal cadences of ancient Sanskrit (in translation). Sadhana is an enduring classic of world spiritual literature for its directness, simplicity and beauty of expression. Tagore's Sadhana delivers the message of the human connection to universal transcendence in hauntingly beautiful English prose. 1942, Kessinger Publishing

This self help book is a comprehensive tour of the exuberant landscape of Muslim religious life, past and present. Spanning the breadth of Islamic civilization from Morocco to Indonesia, Renard demonstrates how Muslims have used the literary and visual arts in all their richness and diversity to communicate the central role of spirituality in the Islamic tradition. 1996, University of California Press

In this powerful spiritual autobiography, Merton traces his conversion from atheism to Catholicism to a year he spent in Rome in which he visited the many ancient churches in the city. He visited a different church each day only to find that he was converted by the churches of Rome. In this book, he describes his early doubts, his conversion and his decision to take life vows as a Trappist Monk. 1999, Harcourt

This deceptively simple self help book can alter your life. Trungpa teaches how to live an honorable life without violence. He uses examples from everyday life, showing how one can make a difference in the world by changing simple habits. 2009, Shambhala

Drawing from various spiritual traditions, especially from the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, Dyer helps us unplug from the material world and awaken to the divine within. Dyer offers specific practical applications for everyday problems, including affirmations, writing exercises and guided meditations. 2003, Perennial Currents

This thoughtful self help work by long-time psychotherapist and Buddhist practitioner Welwood adds much to the emerging conversation about the path of development which embraces both personal psychology and the deeper reaches of the human spirit. Psychotherapists and spiritual seekers alike will be enriched by this book. 2002, Shambhala

In The Untethered Soul, spiritual teacher Michael Singer explores the question of who we are and arrives at the conclusion that our identity is to be found in our consciousness, the fact of our ability to observe ourselves and the world around us. By tapping into traditions of meditation and mindfulness, Singer shows how the development of consciousness can enable us all to dwell in the present moment and let go of painful thoughts and memories that keep us from achieving happiness and self-realization. 2007, New Harbinger Publications / Noetic Books

Dr. Barratt creates a modern synthesis of sexuality and spirituality, drawing on the ancient traditions of Tantra and the insights of modern psychoanalysis. This generous and uplifting self help book celebrates the interweaving of sex and spirit into one Holy Spirit. 2004, Xlibris Corporation

In this rabbi?s sympathetic and readable guide, discontented people can find reasons to banish doubts on whether living is worthwhile. The author argues that the fear of uselessness is humanity?s ancient enemy. Citing the book of Ecclesiastes, Kushner delivers ?a useful spiritual survival manual? and guides us to a heightened sense of joy, purpose, and meaning. 2002, Fireside

In the postscript to her self help book, the author says, ?We live in difficult times. One senses a possibility they may get worse.? Her book is filled with useful advice about how Buddhism helps persons to cope with pain, fear and anxiety. She offers good news: there is a fundamental happiness readily available to each one of us, no matter how difficult things seem to be. 2000, Shambhala

Dyer offers strategies for freeing oneself from the tyranny of ego and getting back in touch with the sacred self. He invites us to live each day with a greater sense of peace and fulfillment. This self help book describes a three-step program to help us understand our place in the world and develop a sense of satisfaction with ourselves and with others. 2001, Quill